A high-end, Neapolitan pizzeria has opened in Historic OldColorado City.
Pizzeria Rustica shares space with the Squash Blossom Gallery inan 1889 building at 2527 W. Colorado Ave.
The restaurant offers wood-oven cuisine with artisan ingredients.Staples on the menu include antipasti, salads, hand-stretched pizzasusing flour, yeast, and tomatoes imported from Italy as well asfresh mozzarella made daily.
Unique wines and beers, including Italian microbrews, also areavailable.
Architectural antiques and gallery art contribute to the classictrattoria ambience both inside and on the large flagstone patio andsculpture garden.
New Steaksmith owner
After more than 25 years in the community, the Steaksmith at 3802Maizeland Road has been purchased by a partnership led by DawsonHubert.
Hubert is known for turning struggling hotels and restaurantsinto successful businesses. He purchased the Old Park Plaza andMorgan's restaurant, revamped the hotel and restaurant and changedtheir names to the Silverwood and Bucking Toad Saloon.
'I'm extremely excited about the Steaksmith. We will keep thetradition as the best steakhouse in Colorado Springs,' Hubert said.'Our focus is to make it even better. I will make sure that everycustomer will see that our product will far exceed the quality thatyou'd find at any large chain.'
Teens pick gas over clothes
Rising prices at the pump have caught up with America's teens,and they appear to be filling up on debt to pay for gas.
A poll conducted by Junior Achievement and The AllstateFoundation shows that 68.6 percent of teens are using credit cardsto buy gas, that's up from 51.9 percent during 2007 and 45.9 percentduring 2006. Gasoline is now the top item teens buy with creditcards, surpassing clothes, which had led the list in previous years.
'It is apparent from these poll results that rising gas pricesare impacting teens as much as they are their parents,' said JackKosakowski, president of Junior Achievement USA. 'The question is,are the teens paying off these cards or are they passing the debt onto their parents? This creates a situation where parents should talkto their kids about the proper use of credit.'
The poll also showed an increase in the number of teens who use acredit card -- 10.4 percent this year compared to 8.5 percent during2007. The number of teens reporting their credit card bill is paidby parents increased as well, from 11 percent last year to 13percent this year -- indicating that many teens are not learning forthemselves the importance of paying bills on-time and other soundfinancial practices.
Stroller Strides opening
Stroller Strides, the nation's largest fitness program for newmoms, has arrived in Colorado Springs.
'Stroller Strides is a great way to get back in shape, as well asstay in shape,' said owner Sarah Goolsby. 'We present a funopportunity for the moms of the Colorado Springs community to turntheir strollers into a workout.'
Stroller Strides of Colorado Springs will be celebrating itsgrand opening at 9 a.m. June 25 at John Stone Park in Briargate.
Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for new moms thatthey can do with their babies. It includes power walking andintervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the strollertaught by nationally certified instructors.
The classes are equally beneficial for babies because instructorsuse songs during the workout and incorporate activities to make itfun.
In addition to the classes, Stroller Strides offers playgroupsand mom's night out, giving women an opportunity to socialize andfurther relationships.
'We provide the outlet that moms need to enjoy time with othermoms, while also focusing on the much needed exercise to fuel theirdemanding lives,' Goolsby said. 'You can make new friends, get intoshape and enjoy time with your baby.'
Founded during 2001, Stroller Strides has 700 locations and morethan 30,000 participants nationwide.
Spending on dad takes dive
Higher prices at the pump and the grocery checkout line might becutting into Father's Day budgets.
According to the National Retail Federation's 2008 Father's DayConsumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch,consumers plan to spend an average of $94.54, compared to lastyear's $98.34. Total spending is expected to reach $9.6 billion.
'When it comes to dad, a simple greeting card and family dinnerreally goes a long way,' said NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin.'Unfortunately, consumers are torn between their love for dad andtheir need for gas this year.'
The survey found many consumers (41.4 percent) will still treatdad to a special outing and will spend an average of $20.19. Otherpopular gifts include clothing (36.5 percent), books and/or CDs(22.6 percent), gift certificates and gift cards (32.7 percent),sporting goods (13.3 percent) and consumer electronics or computerrelated accessories (18.5 percent).
The majority of consumers (68.4 percent) will invest in agreeting card for dad, spending an average of $7.49.
